Russia Targets U.S. Drone Over Syria

The U.S. Central Command Air Force indicated today, Tuesday, that "a Russian fighter jet struck an American drone with a fire projectile while it was dangerously flying near it in Syrian airspace on Sunday." The statement noted: "A Russian projectile hit the MQ-9 drone, causing severe damage to one of its propellers." It added: "Fortunately, the MQ-9 crew was able to keep it flying and safely return the aircraft to its base." U.S. officials pointed out that "Russian aircraft have increased the frequency of dangerous encounters with American military aircraft over Syria in recent months, where forces from both countries are stationed."